Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) in the UK has awarded the contract to expand and maintain the city-region’s publicly owned electric vehicle (EV) charging network to Amey. The agreement aims to make Greater Manchester truly EV-friendly and supports its air quality and carbon reduction targets.

The first phase of work is the upgrade of the existing Greater Manchester Electric Vehicle (GMEV) network infrastructure of almost 120 fast chargers and the installation of 24 new rapid chargers. The new Be.EV charging network, when installed and fully operational, will move from a ‘free-as-you-charge’ to a ‘pay-as-you-charge’ system. It will also use renewable electricity.

GMEV members have benefited from free electric charging – which was originally intended as an introductory offer – for more than six years. But the introduction of charging fees is now needed to cover costs and balance the impact on public budgets. Moving to a ‘pay-as-you-charge’ system will ensure a sustainable, reliable network and enable increased investment in Greater Manchester’s EV charging infrastructure.

The Be.EV network will span all 10 councils in Greater Manchester, serving 2.8 million people in one of the UK’s most vibrant and successful city-regions. A key part of Amey’s offer is to base its operations in Manchester, drive local employment opportunities and support small businesses and social enterprises through delivering world-class EV infrastructure.